It’s finally time to organize my chaotic home server setup. I have been using some old desktop PCs stored in a closet full of hard drives, all cobbled together to create a storage solution for all my data.
I’ve come to the realization that I don’t require a high-speed enterprise NAS system designed for multiple users, but I do need a cost-effective solution. It’s just my wife and me, storing photos, music, and important documents. A Raspberry Pi with a few hard drives is exactly what I need, and with Black Friday approaching, it’s the perfect time to get everything.
Here’s what I need to build a NAS
First and foremost, I’ll need a Raspberry Pi to serve as the core of the setup. While a Model 4 can suffice, the newer Model 5 offers better performance. Opting for a kit is recommended, as it includes the board, power supply, case with heat sinks and a fan, as well as extras like an SD card and cables. This is a budget-friendly approach.
If you need a great deal, this kit is currently on sale.
Additionally, a powered USB Type-A hub is essential. Since the Raspberry Pi is compact and lacks a robust power control circuit, relying solely on the Pi’s internal USB power may lead to performance issues. Using a powered hub ensures sufficient power for seamless file transfers.
For storage, you can opt for a drive dock for convenience or 3D print an enclosure for a custom setup. A drive dock like this one from MAIWO allows you to connect multiple storage drives via a single USB cable, accommodating both 2.5 and 3.5-inch drives. It even features a built-in drive cloning function.
With space for four hard drives, you’ll need at least one to get started. Many opt for spinning disk drives over solid-state drives due to their higher capacity and cost-efficiency for storage purposes.
Setting up the NAS is straightforward. Follow an online guide to set up the Raspberry Pi, connect the USB hub and HDD bay to power sources, plug in your drives, and power everything up. The Raspberry Pi’s operating system has built-in features for sharing drives across the network without the need for additional NAS software.
Utilize online tutorials to configure Samba for sharing and ensure appropriate permissions are set. Once set up, your files stored on the homemade NAS will be accessible through standard file applications on Windows, Mac, and iOS devices, as well as various Android file apps for network access.
If desired, you can enhance functionality by installing Plex or a network-aware music player on the Raspberry Pi, or even run OMV, a NAS operating system, to unlock additional features similar to expensive models.
Embrace the DIY spirit and save money while creating your NAS setup. It’s a rewarding experience! ☺️